TSA Background Check and Hazmat Endorsement
Since 2005, obtaining or renewing a CDL Hazmat (H) endorsement has required a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment in addition to the standard state DMV testing process. The TSA background check process: Step 1 — Submit an application with personal information including 10-year address history, citizenship or immigration status, and consent to a criminal background check and terrorism database check. Step 2 — Provide biometrics (fingerprints) at a designated enrollment center. Step 3 — Pay the TSA fee (approximately $86.50 as of the most recent update — check current TSA guidance for current fee). Step 4 — TSA conducts checks against FBI criminal records, terrorist watchlists, and immigration databases. Step 5 — Upon clearance, state DMV adds the H endorsement to the CDL. Disqualifying offenses: any federal or state conviction for certain offenses disqualifies a driver from holding a hazmat endorsement. Disqualifying convictions include: unlawful use, possession, or transfer of explosives; sedition, treason, or espionage; crimes related to hijacking; murder, rape, or serious weapons offenses. The hazmat endorsement must be renewed every 5 years (or whenever the CDL is renewed if sooner) — each renewal requires a new TSA background check. Loss of hazmat endorsement: if TSA determines a driver no longer meets security requirements after issuance, the endorsement can be removed.